23mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-23
Overview
GSh-23
Forward view of GSh-23.
Source: www.zid.ru -
© copyright lies with original owner
Russia - ZiD
Indonesia - OFB
Romania - Cugir arsenal
9-A-472 (GRAU index)
TKB-613
Description
Introduction
The GSh-23 is an autocannon of Soviet origin. It was designed in the early 1960's as a replacement for the older NR-23. The GSh-23 has a much higher rate of fire. This is a virtue in jet aircraft since time on target is lower, but comes at the cost of recoil and running out of ammunition quickly.
Design
The GSh-23 functions on the Gast principle. In this twin barrel setup the recoil from one barrel cycles the action of the other, allowing for an instant high rate of fire. The GSh-23 is belt fed from a single belt. The GSh-23L adds a muzzle brake that helps reduce recoil. Both GSh-23 and GSh-23L are solenoid fired.
Firepower
The GSh-23 fires the 23x115mm round that is also widely used in other Soviet aircraft cannon. The rate of fire is 3.000 to 3.400 rpm and is instantly achieved as opposed to Gatling type weapons. The muzzle velocity of 715 m/s is low compared to other modern aircraft cannon.
Platforms
The GSh-23 was introduced on the MiG-21. First in the GP-9 pod and later in semi-recessed form. It is also used on many versions of the MiG-23 and foreign aircraft such as the J-22 Orao, IAR-93 Vultur and Tejas. The GSh-23 arms the UPK-23 and SPPU-22 gun pod. Additionally the GSh-23 is used as a tail gun in Tu-22M and Tu-95 bombers and Il-76M transport aircraft.
Variants
Variants of the GSh-23 autocannon
GSh-23
Original production model without muzzle brake. Produced in smaller numbers than GSh-23L
GSh-23L
GSh-23 with multi-slotted muzzle brake which reduces recoil.
Details
Media
GSh-23L
Forward view of GSh-23L in UPK-23 gun pod.
Source: www.forum.valka.cz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
GSh-23L
Side view of GSh-23L in UPK-23 gun pod.
Source: www.forum.valka.cz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
GSh-23
GSh-23 in SPPU-22 gun pod.
Source: www.forum.valka.cz
Copyright: copyright lies with original owner
Platforms
UPK-23
The UPK-23 gun pod is fitted with the GSh-23L autocannon. Is it used on combat helicopters and ground attack aircraft.
SPPU-22
The SPPU-22 gun pod is fitted with a single GSh-23L autocannon. A unique feature of the SPPU-22 is that the armament can be lowered up to 30 degrees downwards.
Related articles
23mm Nudelman-Rikhter NR-23
The GSh-23 was developed to replace the older NR-23.
30mm Gryazev-Shipunov GSh-30-2
The GSh-23 design was upscaled to create the GSh-30-2 autocannon firing the more powerful 30x165mm cartridge.